C of E to Test Wireless Payments

Plans are afoot for Church of England parishes to try contactless payment systems for donations. Later this summer about 40 parish churches will use hand-held terminals to process card payments.

The top figure that can be used for contactless payments in the United Kingdom is £30. The trial may prepare the way for the system to be rolled out in 2018. The trial will encompass a mix of churches — urban and rural, large and small.

“We’re aware that younger generations — and there are many people now who don’t carry cash — want to give in different ways,” said John Preston, the church’s national stewardship officer. “Enabling them to give in a way that suits them is something we’d like to try.”